Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have come together with other political figures to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and prepare for the 2027 election.
The group, which includes several past governors and political stakeholders, made their stance known during a press conference in Abuja.
Atiku, speaking on behalf of the coalition, confirmed that their gathering was meant to form a united front against Tinubu’s administration.
He and his allies strongly criticized the president’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional, News About Nigeria reports.
They argued that Tinubu’s action, which led to the removal of the state’s elected governor, deputy governor, and state assembly, was an abuse of power and a violation of democratic principles.
The opposition leaders claimed that the crisis in Rivers State did not meet the legal conditions necessary for a state of emergency.
They accused Tinubu of using the situation as an excuse to assert federal control over the state.
According to them, the constitution does not allow the president to remove elected officials arbitrarily.
They pointed out that even during past emergencies declared in Nigeria, governors remained in office, making Tinubu’s decision unprecedented.
The coalition called on the National Assembly to reject the emergency declaration, urging lawmakers to defend democracy rather than support what they described as a power grab.
They also appealed to the judiciary to intervene and prevent the move from setting a dangerous precedent.
Additionally, they urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, and political groups to resist what they see as a threat to democratic governance.
Atiku and his allies warned that the instability in Rivers State could lead to wider political unrest.
They reminded Nigerians of past conflicts in the Niger Delta, saying that the country cannot afford to return to a time of crisis.
They criticized the federal government for creating political tension and ignoring constitutional processes in an attempt to consolidate power.
